In 1988 a small crab showed up on the New Jersey shore, apparently discharged there along with bilge water from ships that had visited the Western Pacific. Deceptively innocuous, by the mid 1990’s the Asian shore crab (Hemigrapsus sanguineus) was the dominant inter-tidal crab in an area stretching from Maine to North Carolina. In the space of 3-5 years, it became the most common crab at several estuaries that I visit…at one, hermit crabs and sand shrimp have virtually disappeared.

Asian shore crabs seem to co-exist more peaceably with one another than do native species…those pictured here were found under a single small rock. I wonder if, in contrast to other crabs, newly-molted individuals are not attacked by neighbors.

Making the Most of an Invader

There is, however, a silver lining to this environmental cloud…the crabs make a nutritious addition to the diets of many aquarium fishes and invertebrates. Many fishes consume small crabs whole, and they can be broken up for smaller fishes. Freshwater fishes ranging in size from guppies to peacock bass will enjoy an occasional crab meal as well.

Shore crabs thrive for weeks in damp seaweed under refrigeration and can be frozen for future use.

Collecting Crabs and other Marine Animals

Asian shore crabs inhabit tide-pools, jetties and salt marshes. They forage as the tide recedes and are most easily collected at low tide, when they shelter below rocks and other cover. A wide variety of sizes (please see photo), suitable for nearly any size aquatic pet, can be gathered in no time at all.

While searching for shore crabs, keep your eyes open for shrimps, worms, mussels and other small creatures. All are useful aquarium foods, and many make very interesting display animals (shore crabs are unprotected, but check local regulations regarding others).

An Unusual Visitor from the South

Seining and setting out minnow traps will improve your catch, and the sea never fails to provide wonderful surprises. Last summer an inshore lizardfish (Synodus foetens) showed up in my net (please see photo). I’ve had only limited success with them in captivity and so released this one after taking some photos.

Shore Crabs in the Aquarium

As is my way, I tried my hand at keeping Asian shore crabs in captivity, and was pleasantly surprised. Although in nature foraging is tied to the tidal cycle, captives abandon this strategy and soon appear at all hours (in contrast, native fiddler crabs that I have kept became active according to an internal clock – feeding and retiring in groups, despite the absence of a tidal influence). Shore crabs feed ravenously on any and all plant or animal based fish foods.

I set up a group in a large estuary exhibit at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, and they have done quite well there. The crabs forage underwater and on rocks protruding above the surface, and co-exist with sand shrimp, striped killifish and other natives (in a small aquarium, they should be monitored closely for aggression).

Crab Alternatives

Please check out our extensive selection of frozen and freeze-dried fish foods. Many contain whole marine animals, and are an excellent addition to the diets of aquarium fishes and invertebrates.

About Frank Indiviglio

Being born with a deep interest in animals might seem unfortunate for a native Bronxite , but my family encouraged my interest and the menagerie that sprung from it. Jobs with pet stores and importers had me caring for a fantastic assortment of reptiles and amphibians. After a detour as a lawyer, I was hired as a Bronx Zoo animal keeper and was soon caring for gharials, goliath frogs, king cobras and everything in-between. Research has taken me in pursuit of anacondas, Orinoco crocodiles and other animals in locales ranging from Venezuela’s llanos to Tortuguero’s beaches. Now, after 20+ years with the Bronx Zoo, I am a consultant for several zoos and museums. I have spent time in Japan, and often exchange ideas with zoologists there. I have written books on salamanders, geckos and other “herps”, discussed reptile-keeping on television and presented papers at conferences. A Master’s Degree in biology has led to teaching opportunities. My work puts me in contact with thousands of hobbyists keeping an array of pets. Without fail, I have learned much from them and hope, dear readers, that you will be generous in sharing your thoughts on this blog and web site. For a complete biography of my experience click here.

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